Carleton Undergraduate Journal of Science · Oct 22, 2026
From early-life stress to neurodegeneration: Targeting neuroinflammation through mediterranean diet adherence
By Al Khalaf H
Early-life stress during early childhood (0-5 years) occurs during a critical period of brain development and is associated with long-term dysregulation of stress and inflammatory systems. This project evaluates the claim that early-life stress sensitizes hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and neuroinflammatory pathways increasing vulnerability to neurodegenerative processes, while adherence to a Mediterranean diet may confer neuroprotection. Evidence from human and animal studies indicates that early-life adversity is consistently associated with elevated cortisol, increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), and structural alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In parallel, sustained adherence to a Mediterranean diet for approximately 8-12 weeks has been associated with reductions in systemic inflammation, including decreases in biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as improved vascular function and cognitive performance Mechanistically, early-life stress promotes chronic HPA-axis activation and sustained cytokine signaling, whereas Mediterranean diet components, including omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, reduce inflammatory activity and support neuronal integrity. Based on current evidence, implementing Mediterranean diet interventions in adolescents and adults with a history of early-life stress, with measurable outcomes including inflammatory biomarkers and cognitive performance, may represent a targeted strategy to reduce long-term neurobiological risk.